Blog Post #2 - Justin F

 In the Moschkovich reading they talk about some methods that can be applied to EL students in the math class. This includes using more graphs, gestures, and other visuals, as well as focusing on a students mathematical understanding as opposed to their accuracy with the language, and focus on mathematical explanation rather than the use of mathematical language. I think that all of the ideas are great and should definitely be thought of when teaching EL students, but I also think they would be very useful when teaching all children regardless of their comprehension of the English language. Obviously it is important for students to be able to use and understand the vocabulary of mathematics, but its most important for them to actually understand the processes and have a great understanding of the mathematics they're learning in general. Sometimes if we harp too much on some of these aspects we're limiting students from learning and could be discouraging them even if they already understand.

For example I sometimes tutor people on math, and with one of the people I tutor she often gets confused when I'm talking about the specifics of symbols, language and when to use them. She has a great understanding of the processes and what she must do but sometimes gets discouraged when she's solving a problem and I try to point out something she might've forgot. Even though all of the math and answers are correct she is missing these terms and vocabulary.

I do think it's very important for students to use these parts of the math language but I think its also important to realize that harping on them might dampen a students confidence in math and might confuse them more. These kinds of changes in the classroom and changes in expectation don't just help EL students but can help out all types of students in the classroom.

Comments

  1. Zhengming ZhangOctober 23, 2026 at 9:29 AM

    I really liked your point that strategies designed for English Learners can also benefit all students in a math classroom. I agree that understanding the mathematical process should come before perfect use of vocabulary or symbols. Your tutoring example shows how students can understand the math but still lose confidence when too much attention is placed on small language mistakes. I think teachers should still introduce correct mathematical vocabulary, but they can do it gradually while encouraging students to explain their thinking in different ways. Using graphs, gestures, visuals, and verbal explanations can make mathematics more accessible and help students feel more confident.

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  2. Klarissa GuillenOctober 23, 2026 at 9:20 PM

    This is very important for you to bring up! I have been pushing for the school I work at to use things like language objectives for them to bring into the classroom. this way students understand the words we are using no matter the discipline. This helps within a bilingual classroom setting but also in any setting because for example, when students do assignments, exams, activities in classrooms they have to understand the academic language being used within word problems, worksheets, etc. This is a great point to bring up and hopefully something emphasizes when teaching as well!

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